What is Yoga Therapy?
Stuck in your head? Over thinking? Yoga therapy is a great way to get out of your head space and into your body. It provides a quiet space to slow down, notice the present moment, stop all the doing, and simply BE.
Yoga therapy is a transformative practice that draws on the wisdom of the body, the vehicle for change. Healing begins from the inside out, beginning with body awareness, noticing sensations, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and images. Instead of trying to mentally understand or change your experience, you will be encouraged to feel your way through. Through the body, you will find — beneath a constant stream of sensations, feelings, and thoughts — an inner knowing, a wisdom body, and insight into your true self. Working together, we will tailor your yoga therapy practice for you and your body. You will find your flow through a combination of mindful movement and breath awareness. With awareness comes acceptance, change, and recognizing your truth — leading to powerful healing and transformation. It is through your body that you will change everything in your life that you would like to change.
What You Need to Get Started
There are no needs or shoulds in yoga therapy. Only a willingness to be open to possibilities! To begin, schedule a private yoga therapy consultation with one of HYC’s four yoga therapy practitioners (contact sarah@thehappyyogi.com). We are trained to assess your body’s mobility and flexibility and will consider any chronic medical conditions, short-term illnesses, and injuries, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma you are experiencing. If you are reading this description, you have already taken the hardest step!
What To Expect
Set aside between one and two hours of private time and space whether you participate in person or online. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. If practicing online in your own space, have access to a yoga mat and any props, including blankets, pillows, or cushions to support your body. If working together with a yoga therapist at the Happy Yogi Cooperative, we have yoga mats and a variety of props available.
Yoga therapy sessions with Monya begin with a complete review of your health and mental health history as well as an assessment of your body’s strength and mobility. Assessment also includes your awareness of your physical body in space and your internal physiological sensations. While holding various gentle yoga postures, you will become more aware of sensation, feeling and emotions in the body. Together, you will create a plan to meet the needs of your body on and off the yoga mat.
As a student of yoga therapy, you will enhance the tools you already possess for living a more productive and satisfying life. You will become more skilled in self-inquiry, self-validation, breathing, body scanning, journaling, and practicing Yoga Nidra (guided sleep like meditation).